Note: This article was originally published in The Technology Source (http://ts.mivu.org/) as: Bracey Campbell "Electronic Tuition Rates Overcome Distance Learning Barrier" The Technology Source, March/April 2001. Available online at http://ts.mivu.org/default.asp?show=article&id=1034. The article is reprinted here with permission of the publisher.

Traditional residence-based tuition is one of the most significant barriers to
distance learning. In the electronic era, when learning is available anytime and
anyplace, traditional tuition policies reduce opportunities for potential students
and limit institutions' access to new markets. The Southern Regional Education Board, the nation's
oldest compact for education, has targeted this problem and is promoting a new
policy to replace residence-based tuition.

In four years, the Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus has become
one of the nation's most successful marketplaces of distance-learning courses.
Starting with 104 courses, the Electronic Campus now has more than 4,000
undergraduate and graduate courses and over 175 degree programs. These
accredited courses and programs are offered by 325 colleges and universities
in the 16-state SREB region.

Since the beginning of the Electronic Campus, education and government
officialsand, most importantly, studentshave raised questions about
out-of-state tuition for distance-learning students. The traditional tuition and fee policies
often mean that a non-resident taking a course electronically pays three times more
than an in-state resident.

Tuition rates for Electronic Campus courses demonstrate the magnitude of the
problem. The average in-state rate for a lower-level course is $133. The average
out-of-state rate is $454more than triple the in-state amount. For upper-level
courses, the in-state average is $338 and the out-of-state average is $838. There is a
similar disparity between average costs for graduate courses: $408 for in-state
students and $1,048 for out-of-state students. Quite simply, this prevents many
students from seeking an education through distance learning.

Working with SREB's distance learning policy laboratory, many of the 16 states
in the region have taken steps to deal with this problem. Some states have established
new policies for more flexible pricing, and some have given institutions more flexibility
to assess tuition and fees. One promising solution is a new policy approach that SREB
is promoting: the development of electronic tuition rates. This means universal, single
rates for distance-learning courses. Individual institutions would establish the rate for
distance-learning courses, initially for those courses in the Electronic Campus.

Of the distance-learning courses that are already offered at a universal rate, most
are through universities' continuing education programsnot through the
Electronic Campus. Continuing education programs are not required to charge in-state
and out-of-state tuition. This is a helpful approach, but it applies only to a limited
number and variety of courses.

Several state initiatives are valuable first steps in eliminating the barriers created
by out-of-state tuition charges:

Colleges and universities in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia
are offering selected courses in the Electronic Campus at a single tuition
rate. Georgia G.L.O.B.E.'s new "e-core" courses are offered
at one rate for any student anywhere.

New legislation in Virginia allows institutions to set tuition and fees for
distance-learning courses in the Electronic Campus. West Virginia colleges
and universities are free to set rates for distance-learning courses.

A number of "border" arrangements in the region permit residents of one state
to attend a nearby college or university in a neighboring state at reduced
or in-state rates. An effort underway in North Carolina and South Carolina,
"Border 2000," calls for electronic tuition rates for technology-based courses
and programs.

Each of these efforts is a step toward eliminating the tuition barrier and creating
a more rational pricing system. The distance learning policy laboratory's goal is to
develop a broader, more defined policy to link these initiatives and actions. The proposed
approach should build on the traditional SREB approach of sharing and reciprocity among
states and should provide a more consistent policy for SREB states.

The electronic tuition rates, which are a more appropriate tuition model for e-courses
than traditional rates, will serve as a catalyst for better access and educational opportunities.
They will also help SREB colleges and universities become national leaders in distance learning.
Out-of-state tuition charges for distance-learning courses will not survive in this electronic era.
It is only a matter of time before a change takes place, and SREB states can capitalize on their
leadership in distance learning by influencing the direction of this change.

The electronic tuition rates will benefit students, states and colleges and universities.

Build on institutional, state and regional distance-learning initiatives.

Continue a long tradition of sharing educational resources.

The need for high-quality, convenient and affordable higher education increases as the
South continues its economic growth. The Southern Regional Education Board believes that
distance learningmade more accessible by electronic tuition ratesis a major
step toward meeting that need.